The labour market is challenging, a trend that is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
This tough employment landscape makes a professional qualification ever more valuable.
As your career progresses, you may find your options limited if you lack a professional qualification, especially as you apply for senior roles.
It is equally important to choose the right qualification.
Today’s accounting professionals are much more than ‘number crunchers.’
They provide strategic advice and as such must be able to demonstrate so much more than the simple technicalities of accounting.
Strategies in international business, thought leadership, skills in communication and persuasion are some of the broader ‘must-have’ aptitudes of successful accounting professionals. Finance professionals with a qualification like CPA, who contribute to their organisations’ strategic direction and decision making will always be in demand.
Strategic leaders
CPAs are recognised as strategic business leaders and its fast-growing New Zealand membership includes senior finance professionals from some of the country’s largest public and private sector organisations.
The CPA qualification is structured to allow candidates study anywhere and its distance learning component offers the flexibility of when and how they study.
The average time for people to complete a CPA qualification is three years.
Importantly, a CPA qualification is a lifelong learning process that gives members the tools to achieve success in their careers. To retain membership, CPAs must complete a requisite number of professional development hours annually to ensure their qualifications remain current and they are following industry best practice.
Professional body
A globally recognised qualification like CPA is also usually backed up by a professional body. A professional body not only manages the on-going professional development of its members, but also ensures that members behave ethically and adhere to the values of the organisation.
Representing more than 144,000 finance, accounting and business professionals in 127 countries, CPA Australia is one of the world’s largest accounting bodies.
It offers an extensive range of training and education, compliance and technical guidance resources, and its peer-to-peer reviews encourage the sharing of good practice ideas between members.
Technical capabilities
In addition to technical capabilities, the CPA programme also focuses on the softer skills required for today’s workplace.
As a member of a professional body like CPA Australia, you are exposed to an international network of like-minded individuals.
In 2009, CPA Australia established a reciprocal agreement with the Indian Institute of Chartered Accountants. The accounting body will assess international degrees from India and there is a pathway for anyone who has completed their undergraduate studies.
Further details can be obtained on (09) 9137450.
Website: www.cpaaustralia.com.au/publicpractice
David Jenkins is Country Manager of CPA Australia, which is one of the world’s largest accounting bodies, representing more than 144,000 finance, accounting and business professionals in 127 countries. With a proud 126-year history, CPA offers its members education, training and technical support, with an emphasis on rewarding career pathways for top accounting graduates. CPA Australia is the Sponsor of the ‘Best Accountant of the Year’ Category of the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards 2013.
